What is it?

Female sterilisation works by preventing eggs from travelling down the fallopian tubes, which link the ovaries to the womb.

This means a woman’s eggs cannot meet sperm, so fertilisation cannot happen.

Eggs will still be released from the ovaries as normal, but they’ll be absorbed naturally into the woman’s body.

What it involves

The surgeon makes small cuts on either side of the tummy button.  A thin long instrument with a light and camera (laparoscope) is inserted to clearly see the fallopian tubes.

The fallopian tubes are then blocked by applying clips or rings, or by tying, cutting and removing a small piece of the tube.

Procedure Advantages

The advantages of laparoscopic sterilisation are:

• It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
• Blocking the fallopian tubes and removal of the tubes should be effective immediately.  However, it is advised to continue with contraception until the next period
• it does not affect libido or interfere with sex
• It will not affect hormone levels

Possible Risks

• It is not easily reversed.  
• It can fail – the fallopian tubes can re-join, although this is rare
• There are small risks of complications, including internal bleeding, infection or damage to other organs